Major incident declared at Liverpool children’s hospital after school coach flips

We’ve now had statements from both schools for the children involved in the bus crash on the M53.

The coach was carrying children from Calday Grange Grammar School in West Kirby and West Kirby Grammar School. Local councillor for Upton By Chester, Sherin Akhtar, said it was travelling to the two schools.

Calday Grange Grammar School wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “We are aware of a situation involving one of our school buses on the motorway earlier today.

“We’re actively gathering details and assisting affected students and their families. Support is available. If you need to talk or seek guidance, please reach out to our teaching and pastoral teams.”

West Kirby Grammar said: “We are in communication with the bus provider and emergency services who have advised that they will keep us updated. We would appreciate your help in keeping our telephone lines clear so that this communication can continue.”

More reaction has come in from MPs in the Merseyside region to this morning’s horror crash – as one woman is treated in hospital for serious injuries and 50 others are being assessed.

Angela Eagle, Labour MP for Wallasey, said: “I am aware that a serious road traffic incident occurred this morning on the M53 involving a local school bus.

“My thoughts are with everyone involved in the incident, their family members and the wider school community.

“They are also with the emergency services from Arrowe Park and local police that are presently responding to the situation. They have my full support, and I hope that all those involved are able to receive the medical attention they need urgently.”

Earlier, Margaret Greenwood, MP for Wirral West, had said: “My thoughts are with everyone affected by the incident on the M53.”

These aerial images show police and fire crews at the scene of the school bus crash on the M53 in Merseyside this morning.

The coach can be seen completely on its side with debris scattered around it. There appears to also be broken glass from the vehicle on the road.

Merseyside Police were called to reports that the coach had hit a reservation on the motorway near junction 5 shortly after 8am.

Wirral University Teaching Hospital has declared a “major incident” following the grammar school bus crash on the M53.

A spokesperson said: “We have clear plans in place to deal with these types of emergency situations and our services are ready to receive any casualties. The Trust has declared a Major Incident and the Major Incident Team has been stood up to manage the situation.”

Dr Nikki Stevenson, Medical Director at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, added: “Our thoughts are with those affected by this event and we are ready to provide treatment and support to any casualties and relatives arriving at Arrowe Park Hospital.

“Our staff are professionally trained and prepared for such events, and we have established a Major Incident Team to coordinate and manage the emergency response.”

The closure of the M53 between junctions 5 and 4 is expected to remain in place for “considerable” time today.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, National Highways England said: “The M53 remains closed in both directions between J5 Hooton and J4 Bebington following a serious incident.

“The closure is expected to remain in place for a considerable time today.”

Margaret Greenwood MP for Wirral West said her “thoughts” are with everyone affected by the grammar school coach crash.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, she said: “My thoughts are with everyone affected by the incident on the M53. I know the emergency services will be working hard to support people.”

Alder Hey Children’s Hospital has said it is “extremely busy” and has called a “major incident” following the M53 crash.

The hospital in West Derby, Liverpool, said it would only “ask parents to only bring their children to the Department if it is urgent.”

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, it said: Following an incident on the M53, we have called a major incident. Our Emergency Department is currently extremely busy and we would also ask parents to only bring their children to the Department if it is urgent.”

A witness said there were ‘pupils on the floor’ after the school bus overturned.

Speaking to The Guardian, the witness said: “There were clearly casualties outside the coach. There were pupils on the floor”.